How to self-tan and get professional-looking results

Made by tan lovers for tan lovers, the Loving Tan range is perfect for anyone who wants a natural, flawless tan within minutes. Whether you are new to self-tanning or just looking for some handy application tips, we have the most expert advice to help you get your gorgeous glow.

Loving Tan products contain salon-inspired formulas which mean that you can have the same professional, natural results without even leaving your house. These simple steps and application tips will leave you with a perfectly even, natural-looking tan. 

STEP ONE: Preparation is key 

The secret to a perfect tan is preparation. We highly recommend reading our 101 on preparing your skin for tan. Our tanning experts go into detail on how to properly exfoliate, moisturise and prepare your skin before tanning. But if you're in a rush, we've quickly summarised the points for you below: 

1. Do everything else first - if you need to shave, wax or wash your hair, ensure you do this 24 hours before you need to tan. These activities can remove the tan or prevent the colour from fully developing.
2. Exfoliate - Exfoliating is super important! We recommend using our Tan Removing & Skin Polishing Glove to remove any dry skin cells and old tan. This will leave you with a smooth and sleek base, ready for your tan application. You should do this at least 12 hours before tanning.
3. Moisturise - It is important to hydrate dry areas of your skin such as elbows, wrists, knees, ankles, feet and hands before applying tan. Moisturiser will also stop the tan from over-developing in these areas and will kick all telltale signs of your tan being fake right to the kerb. We recommend doing this just before you're ready to apply your product. 

STEP TWO: Pick your potion

Once you've fully prepped your skin, it's time for the fun stuff! If you're not sure what Loving Tan product or shade is right for you, we recommend using our Shade Finder to find your perfect match. 

You'll also need to have your Deluxe Applicator Mitt handy as well as your Easy To Reach Back Applicator if you need a bit of extra help with tanning your back. 

STEP THREE: Tan your face 

We recommend tanning your face before the rest of your body because it's the easiest area to apply. Using your fingertips, you can apply your Deluxe Face Tan to your face, washing your hands immediately to prevent any unwanted staining. Take a look at our guide on how to (properly) self-tan your face. 

STEP FOUR: Body application  

Working upwards from your legs, apply three to four pumps of mousse on your Deluxe Applicator Mitt and apply it to each section of your body in small, circular motions. Don't worry too much if your application doesn't look perfect, the colour you are seeing at this point is just the fool-proof colour guide to help show where you have applied the product. We highly recommend tanning in front of a mirror (the bigger the better!) as this will help you see yourself clearly during application and ensure that every part of your body is bronzed and beautiful! 

Once you have applied the product everywhere to your body, wait 60 seconds before dressing. Have a look at our guide on how to tan your hands and feet if you're stuck on these tricky spots.

Now, it's time to relax let the magic happen! If you are using a Deluxe Bronzing Mousse, we recommend leaving this on your skin for six to eight hours for the best results. If you're using a 2 HR Express Mousse, you can rinse this off after two hours. Make sure to avoid water and excessive sweating while the tan is on. 

As Loving Tan products contain high concentrations of active darkening ingredients, you will achieve a dark tan in just one application. But, if you're wanting a darker result, you can apply a second layer of mousse ten minutes after the first application and pat any extra product remaining on your mitt into your skin. Alternatively, use your 2 HR Express Mousse and leave it on overnight for deeper, darker results. 

STEP SIX: Rinse

After letting your tan set, rinse off the product in warm water in the shower. Once the water runs clear and you're out of the shower, we recommend pat-drying yourself with a towel. Your tan will continue to develop and darken for an additional 12 to 24 hours and reveal your gorgeous and flawless tan. It is super important during this time to refrain from using any soaps, moisturisers and oils as this can prevent your tan from reaching its full potential. 

STEP SIX: Maintenance

It is super easy to maintain your tan after tanning. Typically, your Loving Tan mousse will last on your skin for seven to ten days with correct maintenance. After waiting 24 hours after rinsing off the product, we recommend staying hydrated and keeping your skin moisturised to prolong the life of your tan. 

For even more prolonged and enhanced results, you can apply your Deluxe Gradual Tan over the top of your mousse tan every two or three days. The Deluxe Gradual Tan has a professional-strength formula with a nourishing shea butter base which will leave you with soft, silky skin and extend your tan for over two weeks. 

Have a question or want to share the secret to your flawless tan? Please leave us a comment below. We would love to hear from you.